victoriamunro

“Judith Briles is one of the most creative people I’ve ever worked with. She has an amazing wealth of knowledge and experience in the book publishing and marketing arenas, as well as a highly successful track record with her own books. She generously shares her valuable network of contacts in the industry. She knows how to create profitable strategies to publish and market books, is able to quickly and accurately understand an author’s work and offer clear, constructive suggestions

“Judith’s consulting services provide incredible value. I heartily recommend her.”

Victoria Munro
The Small Biz Balancing Act

domtesta

“A shepherd is defined as one who “protects, guides, and watches over.” That’s exactly what Judith Briles brings to your book and/or speaking project. She won’t write your book for you, but she protects you from making senseless mistakes, she guides you through the meticulous process, and she watches over your journey from beginning to end. Working with Judith is one of the best investments I’ve made in my business.”

Dom Testa
The Galahad series

rhondaspellman

“Judith Briles, aka The Book Shepherd, is a true Shepherd of her flock. When I first hired Judith I thought I was “almost there”. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I had only just begun. I now consider myself transformed into much more than I had envisioned becoming. The best part: we’ve only just begun!”

Rhonda Spellman
The Journey, Home from Autism

joanmcwilliams

“Judith Briles is my BOOK SHEPHERD and has been for many years. She guided me through my first book, The PeaceFinder—Riley McFee’s Quest for World Peace. She is now helping me publish my husband’s autobiography as well as a book I have written on parenting plans for divorced parents. It would be very difficult to get through the publishing maze without her. She knows the business, has amazing vision, and is remarkably creative. She can spot errors in an instant, which saves money!

“I have enjoyed getting to know Judith and count her as a friend as well as a mentor. Working with her has been my good fortune.”

Joan McWilliams
The Peace Finder—Riley McFee’s Quest for World Peace
Creating Parenting Plans That Work

marilynvanderbur

“I will be grateful, always, to Judith Briles for mentoring me – the only mentor I have ever had! She has had such a positive impact on my life. I try – every single day – to pass that gift on…”

Marilyn Van Derbur
Miss America by Day

“I want to thank you for all your priceless knowledge and expertise that you shared with me to help me to create such a wonderful Product line and book! Amlavi LLC and Iris and Her Amazing Garden would not be so popular among our Fans and their children if it was not for your coaching and publishing advice. I can’t believe how much fun I had in your groups and individual meetings nor the amount of time you saved me!”

Dayn Conrad
Iris and Her Amazing Garden

annesalisbury

“Wow… your Salons are great! Thank you. We have a good focus now to move ahead.
You are a wise teacher. We appreciate you!”

Greg Meyerhoff and Anne Salisbury, PhD, MA, MBA
Eureka! and The Eureka Factor!

greggodek

“I can’t think of another person who has the breadth of experience that Judith does, when it comes to books, publishing, writing–and the art and business that swirls around all of these concepts.”

“Judith knows this biz from every angle: As a writer, editor, publisher, speaker, consultant and entrepreneur. She’s also fabulously creative and wonderfully honest. She’s a breath of fresh air an industry full of poseurs.”

Greg Godek
1001 Ways to be Romantic and The Simple Simon series

cameronfay

“Judith Briles is one of the best resources in the publishing industry to help you create and sell your book. Her knowledge, insight and connections to industry experts provide the ability for you to not just create a great book but actually sell it and make money doing it.”

Cameron Fay
Regional Sales Manager, Friesens Corp.

lindasmith

“Judith Briles was a moving force in the development of my book; from the perfect tag line to her perfect edits to sharing all of her perfect resources. Above and beyond all of those very important contributions, Judith’s support and encouragement kept me moving, working and motivated to get my book the Power of Rituals for Women from a dream to a reality. Thank you Judith!!”

Linda Ann Smith
Power of Rituals

carriebrownwolf

“Not knowing where to begin can be daunting. Until you meet Judith. Working with Judith Briles helped move my book from the computer screen to the printed page.”

Carrie Brown-Wolf
Soul Sunday

carolkates

“Judith Briles is an incredible coach. She is the most knowledgeable person I have met in the book business. Her workshops are informative, well-organized and fun and give budding authors inspiration as well as encouragement. Judith sets high standards for herself and also her clients—she is never afraid to tell it like it is. She encourages her clients to be their personal best. Judith’s vast knowledge and experience in both publishing and marketing make her an invaluable resource. She takes a personal interest in the authors she works with; and despite a very busy work schedule, she is only a telephone call away when problems arise and need immediate solutions. I would highly recommend Judith Briles.”

Carol Ann Kates
Secret Recipes from the Corner Market

janestanfield

“After publishing my book, I knew I needed help marketing not only the book, but myself. I looked to Judith because she exemplified what I am in the process of becoming, an accomplished speaker, author, and a successful and heart-filled business woman. Under her tutelage, I am expanding into national markets and just yesterday, appeared on a TV News show. If you are ready to take yourself from hobby to professional, Judith is the woman who will walk next to you along your path to success.”

Jane Stanfield
Where Is She Heading

danpoynter

“Judith Briles knows publishing. She cuts through the myriad of details and snafus that authors face, saving them thousands of dollars in the publishing process.
Judith has authored and published more than 20 books, won multiple awards and has converted her expertise into savvy, doable strategies for authors who want to create, achieve and be financially successful.”

Dan Poynter
The Self-Publishing Manual

jimhall

“You just finished a masterpiece, just put your creative passion into it, and now don’t know what to do about it? Call for the assistance of Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd. Judith has the knowledge at her fingertips from taking your idea and putting it into words to finding the right editors and the right printers. Need advice on how to market your book? She has a myriad of ideas and knowledge of the ways to do it. Judith is an extraordinary woman who will be YOUR personal shepherd.

“She has been there for us through good and bad, happiness and frustration. We don’t know what we would do without her calmness—we sometimes feel max-frustration.”

Georgann and Jim Hall
Parachuting for Gold in Old Mexico

vikiking

” Judith Briles is a powerful locomotive who will get your train on the track and send it all the way to publishing. You have a full team guiding you heart to head and onto your completed project.”

Viki King
How to Write a Movie in 21 Days

lorihanson

“I called Judith when I had issues with an editor on my first book. She was exactly what I needed to rebuild my confidence, get me on track and help me put together a publishing team that works with me. Having Judith as my mentor I’ve been successful in accomplishing many things in a small amount of time. If you want quick results, straight answers and a no BS way to get your book to market successfully. Call Judith!”

Lori Hanson
It Started with Pop-Tarts™

lynnhellerstein

“Judith not only saved my book, she helped me create a best-seller! Her energy, wisdom, support, insights, humor and willingness to uphold her commitment were inspirational. As a successful author and publisher, Judith guided me through my journey as a first time author and publisher. She kept me moving through the publishing process, jumping over hurdles and avoiding many pitfalls.

“Not only was Judith instrumental in my writing and editing process, she coached me on how to enter into the world of niche marketing—from presentations to press releases and marketing strategies.

“I have recommended Judith to many of my professional colleagues and other authors who are looking for assistance in writing or publishing. I thank Judith for joining me on my fascinating journey of becoming an author!”

Lynn F. Hellerstein, O.D., FCOVD, FAAO
See It. Say It. Do It! The Parent’s & Teacher’s Action Guide to Creating Successful Students & Confident Kids

“Thank you for all of the valuable information I learned from working with you. My only regret is not signing up sooner!”

Rita Zamora
Making Referrals a Reality

lorendue

“When I came to Dr Briles I was uncertain as what I was going to do, however, through her diligent guidance and clear direction I was able to get my project back on track and produce an award winning book. Dr Briles has put in place all the tools necessary for success. It takes a person who is willing to learn, look, listen and receive instruction from the master of book production – Dr Briles.”

Dr Loren Due
Don’t Say a Word about This

davidhancock

“Successful books don’t just happen. As a publisher, I can always tell when an author has had guidance vs. delivering a manuscript unassisted. The books that Judith Briles has steered our way have been award-winning and successful in their markets. It’s not an accident or coincidence. She works closely with her authors, from conception to structure to the “look” of the finished book. Her authors know what to expect, when they are expecting. Her publishers know what they will get.”

David L. Hancock
Founder, Morgan James Publishing

rickfrishman

“Publishing consultants should know publishing inside and out. Few do. Judith Briles does. She has worn many hats—she’s published with major New York houses, then broke away and created her own imprint; has successfully published over 20 books and sold in excess of 1,000,000 copies; understands niche publishing and marketing; has created publicity campaigns for her own work Publishing consultants should know publishing inside and out. Few do. Judith Briles does. She has worn many hats—she’s published with major New York houses, then broke away and created her own imprint; has successfully published over 20 books and sold in excess of 1,000,000 copies; understands niche publishing and marketing; has created publicity campaigns for her own work that landed her on Oprah, Donahue, CNN and even grabbed a cover story in People magazine; she’s penetrated the foreign rights market with her work in 16 countries to date; she has guided and coached many others from creation to completion of their work; she has created and chair several publishing conferences; and she has successfully turned several publishing disasters into successful outcomes for their authors. Judith Briles is the Book Shepherd.”

Rick Frishman
Exec. VP, Morgan James Publishing
Founder, Planned TV Arts

annkochenburger

“One of the smartest decisions I have ever made was hiring Judith as my Book Shepherd. I had a story to tell, but no idea how to proceed beyond the completion of my manuscript. Judith guided me through revision, recommended an excellent editor and made contacts to publishers, all of which ultimately led to a publisher for Out Of Focus…Again. I admire Judith not only for her expertise, but also for her straight forwardness. She is no nonsense and tells it like it is which is what those of us who want to see our words in print completely appreciate. She saved me much time and thousands of dollars, and is the reason my completed book is of the quality I wanted. I continue to seek Judith’s advice as I promote my book and am currently writing a second one.”

Ann Kochenberger
Out Of Focus…Again

susanmead

“If you need a firm, yet compassionate, kick in the bum to get your writing project completed and out the door, Judith Briles is not only the clear choice—but the greatest value. Don’t spend a lot of money on a bunch of different consultants on writing and publishing; work with Judith first to help you create the best team for your writing project and increase your efficiency. Her salons with other authors cannot be beat, with one-on-one follow-up to keep you on track.”

Susan E. Mead, M.H.
Take Back Your Body

marapurl

“Judith Briles—best-selling author and sought-after national speaker in her own right—is also generous to a fault in sharing her hard-earned publishing savvy. As the Colorado Book Shepherd, she’s unique in that she doesn’t do the work for you. Instead, she teaches, mentors and leads the way, empowering her clients along the otherwise treacherous trails of bringing a book first to press, then to market, and ultimately into the hands of targeted readers.”

Mara Purl
Milford Haven series

brianjud

“Judith Briles is one of the most strategically creative, professional and competent people I have met in my 20+ years in book publishing.”

Brian Jud
How to Make Real Money Selling Books and Beyond the Bookstore

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Author Archive

Five Red Flags for a “Self” or “Indie” Publisher and Author

How to Avoid the Love, Prey, Eat Author Syndrome

red flags

Lesson #1 for all authors-to-be … Don’t rush to publish. Lesson #2 for all authors-to-be … Don’t rush to publish. Lesson #3 for all authors-to-be … Don’t rush to publish.

 

Do your homework. Authors must watch out for the unscrupulous types who prey on unsuspecting authors in the making who are so eager to see their work out there that they get trapped by the publishing predators.

Fact: If you are not the publisher, meaning that it’s not your publishing company’s name as the imprint, you have not self-published. Self means “self”. “Indie” means independent.

Fact: If you have to purchase your own books from a “self-publishing” company, you have not self or indie published. Publishers purchase books from a printing company, whether it’s POD or offset.

Fact: If you receive a “royalty” from a “self-publishing” company, you have not self or indie published. If you self/indie …

Publishing Predator Author Solutions in Class Action Lawsuit

The favorite sound of every publishing predator is: Cha-king … Cha-king … Cha-king

author solutions

Author Solutions tentacles are massive. AuthorHouse is its flagship brand. Then there is Xlibris and iUniverse and Trafford Publishing and Booktango and Palibrio and those expanding “strategic partnerships” with Balboa Press (Hay House) | Archway Publishing (Simon and Schuster) | WestBow Press (Thomas Nelson)| Abbott Press (Readers Digest) | Inspiring Voices (Guideposts) | LifeRich Publishing (Readers Digest) … stealthful relationships that most authors are clueless that they have engaged Author Solutions/House until the emails and calls start. AH

Cha-king … Cha-king … Cha-king is filtered through the DNA of those who work for the Author Solutions empire, now owned by the Penguin Group. I wonder if the money counters at Author Solutions, also AuthorHouse and a bunch of its other branded names, truly believe that the little people—the thousands of authors who have been misled, abused, assaulted and then had the soul of their author essence literally sucked …

Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms Wins 3 National Book Awards

It’s a wahoo here in Colorado when I received word that  Author YOU: Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms (Mile High Press) won not one, but three different books awards. Last month, it was honored with the “best” in the Writing/Publishing categories from the Indie Excellence Book Awards, the International Book Awards and received the bronze from the Independent Book Publishers IPPY Awards.

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As an author and publishing expert, I’ve worked with hundreds of authors and spoken to thousands. There are so many mistakes, all too common that could have been anticipated if Platforms had been developed.  Every Author, every Book, needs a Platform. It’s the stage, the very foundation of your book and authoring businesses. Author and Book Platforms don’t happen overnight. They take time, and there are steps—some small, some large and some in-between—that will transition the author to-be from just an idea to a book that stars him or her as the expert or an amazing story-teller.

Platforms

Author Ways to Support Our Troops this Memorial Day

 

It’s Memorial Day most plan a day of yard work, picnics, BBQ and hanging out with family and friends. Take a moment and give thanks and honor the men and women who have died for our country. Over 1.1 million have given their lives since the American Revolution—a staggering number!

memorial day2 

For me, my weekend started with flying our flag Friday am; spending mega hours with two authors (five each) getting them back on track, let’s face it—refocusing and recommitting is critical to author success; planting a few roses and cleaning the koi pond; seeing Star Trek into Darkness (Loved it … but couldn’t watch it in 3D … I’m now one of those who can’t handle it due to headaches and pukeyness … and thank you to AMC for letting us move to regular screening and refunding moneys.); finishing planting flower pots; getting my favorite peach ice tea … and today, the official Memorial, I sip to

Author YOU! Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms is a Triple Book Award Winner!

                     I  was honored with several awards—triple wins—this month for:

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Author YOU! Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms is the Winner in the Writing & Publishing category of the 2013 National Indie Excellence Awards.

Author YOU! Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms is the Winner in the Writing & Publishing category of the 2013 International Book Awards.

Author YOU! Creating and Building Your Author and Book Platforms is the Bronze IPPY Winner in the Writing & Publishing category of the 2013 International Book Publishers Awards.

My amazing team consisted of: Nick Zelinger of NZ Grapics designed the cover and interior; Don Side created the whimsical illustrations; John Maling the editing and Georgann Hall the final cold-eye editing;  and the first printing was done by Tom Campbell with King Printing—all Author U members. All shared my vision, I couldn’t have done it without them.

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6 Twitter Tips for Happy Tweeting Trails

Reach Your Audience …
6 Quick Twitter Tips for You:

Twitter image 6

1. GET the Most Bang

Know when to Tweet and where the audiences are. According to RadiumOne, there are two peak times during the day to Tweet:

10AM to 12PM and 8PM through 10PM

That’s it, at least for now. If you want to see the most shares, with the highest click-through, you should be Tweeting from 12 noon to 2PM. Remember, Tweets are global, which means global times zones. These cover the basics and a broad span to optimize your visibility.

Of course, this content regulation changes based on where your audience is. Key point: Connect with your audience when they are online.

2. Mix It UP

Variety is the spice of life and so it goes with your Tweets. Yes you can self-promote, but your promos are at the bottom of the feeding chain. Don’t OD your followers. If you have a special event popping, do …

Authors, Judgment and Publishing Predators

 

What do you do when you’ve been “had” in the publishing game/maze?

Briles WolfWho’s the book-buster you call in?

Do you moan and groan that you’ve been screwed?

Do you spend countless hours in phone and email hell trying to get to someone who’s going to fix whatever needs fixing on your book?

Do you cave in, with book tail between your heart and soul and just slink away?

Do you make a variety of excuses as to why you are in the mess you are?

Do you ignore that you’ve been treated like a piece of yesterday’s trash?

Do you …

How about: let’s kick in “your better judgment” Do you … and get the heck out of dodge?

Stop working with the people and group that have zapped you.  Just stop. Lick your wounds; you made a mistake that is costing you time, energy and money. I know, it’s the money thing that keeps people in the book

Nonsense … or Creativity Starter?

That, Dear Watson (or Author), Is the Question!

creativity

When is nonsense “nonsense” for an author and when is it the perfect kick start to get you out of a writing rut, book marketing rut or just see something from a different perspective?                     

Recently, I posted a video on several of my social media sites that contained a video of 10,000 iPhones doing the domino dance. First thoughts when I viewed it: Who has time to do this? Who even thought it up? When and where in the heck did they gather up 10,000 iPhones (Apple headquarters)? How much time did this take? How many misfires were there? Etc.

After viewing, it left me with a smile and an “OK, it’s a long day ahead, I need to do some final re-writes on the For the Love of Paprika cookbook that I’m working on for/with a client; I’ve got two sets of handouts to create for speeches in the